An old saying goes, "One rotten apple can spoil the barrel." For anyone who has stored a large amount of apples or other produce, the truth of this saying is self-evident: the major part of the load of apples may be just fine, but one rotten apple can end up spoiling many others unless it is found and removed.
Thus is the case with vandalism in the community. When it occurs, it angers many people, and sours them on young people in general, especially when they see large groups of teens roaming the streets.
Chances are, the youths are just out enjoying the nice weather and are hanging out together, having fun. The problem occurs when incidents of vandalism happen, such as recently noted in Jubilee Park with late-night parties trashing the park and area, or each week as numerous reports flood in to the Weyburn Police Service about various forms of vandalism, such as broken fences, trees, scratched-up vehicles, eggs thrown at windows, or markers spray-painted on businesses or homes.
Most young people are good kids, enjoy having a good time and yes, can get rambunctious on occasion - but it's the few who engage in destructive behaviour who end up tainting the image of all youths.
Residents (along with the police) can play a role in preventing vandalism, or in enabling the police to catch those who are responsible. Perhaps reviving a program like Neighbourhood Watch would help, or at least, residents can practice the spirit of the program, namely by looking out for one another in their local neighbourhoods, and whenever they see anyone acting in a suspicious manner, contact the police so they can find out what is going on and catch those responsible.
Recently, residents showed they can help, as six people were arrested and collectively face 45 charges of theft from vehicles, because they called in to the police. This was a positive way to solve a persistent crime, and the same can be done to help curtail the senseless damages caused by vandals to private and public properties.
